The verse Romans 1:20 is attributed to the Apostle Paul, who is traditionally recognized as the author of the Book of Romans in the New Testament. From an evangelical Christian perspective, Paul is viewed as a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary work and theological contributions.
### Background on the Apostle Paul:
1. **Early Life**: Born as Saul of Tarsus, Paul was a Pharisee and a deeply devout Jew. He initially opposed the followers of Jesus and persecuted Christians.
2. **Conversion**: Paul experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, where he had a vision of the risen Christ. This event transformed him into one of the most influential apostles.
3. **Missionary Journeys**: Following his conversion, Paul undertook several missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches and spreading the message of Christianity among Gentiles (non-Jews).
4. **Writings**: Paul is credited with writing 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament, including letters (epistles) to various churches and individuals. His writings are foundational texts for Christian theology, addressing issues of faith, grace, law, and the nature of the church.
### Context of Romans 1:20:
In Romans 1:20, Paul writes:
> “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
This verse underscores several key concepts from an evangelical Christian perspective:
– **General Revelation**: Paul emphasizes the idea that God’s existence and attributes can be understood through creation. This concept is often referred to as general revelation, meaning that people can know certain truths about God simply by observing the world around them.
– **Accountability**: The verse also conveys that humans are accountable to God because His existence and nature are evident in creation. According to Paul, this revelation leaves people “without excuse” for their unbelief.
– **Theological Implications**: This passage lays a foundational understanding of the relationship between God and humanity, highlighting the importance of recognizing God’s sovereignty and the implications for belief in Christ.
In conclusion, from an evangelical perspective, Paul is seen as a vital author, whose writings, including Romans 1:20, articulate key aspects of Christian theology, morality, and the nature of God as understood through creation. His work continues to be pivotal for teachings in the church today.
